RAF and US Army Helicopter Training Fleet Add 17 More Bell Helicopters

FARNBOROUGH, UK ( Bell Helicopters Press Release ) -
Both the UK Royal Air Force and the US Army will see the size of their helicopter training fleet increase with the purchase of 17 more Bell helicopters that have a combined contract value of $35 million.

In Mid-May Bristow Helicopters Ltd, representing FB Heliservices, ordered two Bell 412s
(contract valued at $11 million) to augment their existing fleet of nine 412s that
are dedicated to the training of Royal Air Force helicopter pilots and Search and Rescue
crews at the Defense Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) headquartered at RAF Shawbury in England.

A few days later the US Army ordered 15 more TH-67 Creek helicopters
(contract valued at $24 million) to augment their existing fleet of 149 helicopters.
The TH-67 Creek is based on the successful Bell 206B.

Deliveries of the aircraft will be made over the next 18 months.

These two separate contracts for the training of military pilots confirm that two of
the premier helicopter operators in the world trust the simplicity, reliability, cost
effectiveness and durability of Bell Helicopter products.

In both cases, these training centers have been using Bell products for many years
and have had the opportunity to evaluate and assess the qualities of the TH-67 and the
Bell 412. These orders reflect the results of their experience

These helicopters will be built in Bell's commercial helicopter plant in Mirabel,
Québec. The facility employs 1,200 people. Various manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada
will supply large portions of the parts required for the 17 aircraft.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, is a $l.4 billion leading producer of commercial
and military helicopters, and the pioneer of revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally
recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce
of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over l20 countries.

Textron Inc. is a $12 billion multi-industry company with more than 51,000 employees
in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers
with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems,
industrial products, industrial components and finance. Textron is known around the world for
its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and
Greenlee, among others